Sky Lantern claims the Moyglare Stud Stakes© Photo Healy Racing
The Moyglare Stud Stakes went for export as Sky Lantern ran out an impressive winner of the Group One highlight in front of an attendance of 6,561 at the Curragh today.
Richard Hughes produced his mount to lead at the furlong pole in the seven-furlong contest and she sprinted clear for a two-and-a-half length success. Karamaya had taken the field along at a good pace but gave way with just over a furlong to run.
The Richard Hannon-trained Sky Lantern, a 7/1 shot, hit the front and soon settled matters.
3/1 favourite Harasiya tried in vain to peg her back inside the final furlong and eventually lost second spot on the line as 33/1 shot Scintillula flew home.
The winner had recorded a listed success on her last visit to Ireland at Naas in June before finishing runner-up in Group Threes at Newmarket and Goodwood last month.
"It was gutsy of the owner, Ben Keswick, to put up the supplementary fee. Unfortunately he's not here as he's based in Hong Kong," said Richard Hannon junior afterwards.
"I certainly wasn't confident and you could see she was drifting in the market all day although I don't pay much attention to that.
"It was a very open Moyglare but she did it impressively. She's a filly that carries a lot of weight and she looks like she could be a 1,000 Guineas filly for next year.
"Santa Anita (Breeders Cup) is an option and we'll have to have a look at it."
Sky Lantern was cut to 10/1 co favourite (from 33/1) by William Hill for the 1,000 Guineas and joins Maureen and Certify at the head of the market.
The winner is now 14/1 (from 33's) with Stan James, 16/1 (from 33's) with Paddy Power while Ladbrokes go an attractive looking 25/1.
Hannon also revealed plans for Ascot winner Maureen who is on course for the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket.
(On course reporting by Alan Magee)
